A Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was charged with 32 counts of rape in Ross County in July has been fired from his position after being placed on leave for nearly a year, the sheriff’s office announced Thursday.
Charles R. Davis, 50, a 21-year police officer, had been on leave since the day the sheriff’s office learned of the outside rape investigation in September 2023, according to a statement from Sheriff Dallas Baldwin’s office. Davis faces 58 counts, including rape and 26 counts of sexual assault.
“Given the seriousness of the allegations, Sheriff Baldwin has determined it is necessary to relieve Deputy Davis of his duties,” the sheriff’s office said. They also said they would not comment further on the case’s progress.
The crimes occurred between March 2020 and October 2022, and many of them involved a victim under the age of 13, according to court records. Investigative records do not indicate whether Davis committed the crimes while on the job.
The indictment contains 16 counts accusing Davis of engaging in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 13 and 16 counts of engaging in sexual conduct by use of force or threat of force. The indictment also contains 12 counts accusing Davis of engaging in sexual contact with a child under the age of 13 and 12 counts of engaging in sexual contact by use of force or threat of force.
Court records in the case do not indicate whether the allegations involve multiple victims. Court records indicate Davis’ current address is in Pickaway County, but records reviewed by The Dispatch indicate Davis previously lived in Ross County.
Davis is next scheduled to appear in Ross County Court for a preliminary hearing on August 26.
@ShahidMeighan
